Jess Kaye is business director at CHILLI, a Leeds-based brand strategy and design agency which forms part of IMA.
Prior to joining CHILLI and IMA, Kaye has had an impressive career working brand-side for the likes of Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Nestle and Tetley.
From her luckiest break to best failure, Kaye shares all the lessons she’s learnt across her life and career so far.
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
Getting outside first thing in the morning, even before coffee. Whatever the weather. The dog might not always agree, but it’s the best way to start the day.
What’s been your luckiest break?
I generally think of myself as a lucky person, but for my agency career I’d say it was when HOME (now IMA) took a three-month freelance chance on me nearly five years ago.
I’d had a solid client-side career in FMCG, so making the leap to agency at senior level was a fair challenge. Fortunately, it was the right decision all round!
What’s your best failure?
I quite like a failure (only with hindsight, of course), there’s no shame in it, you learn and move on.
But when I was a graduate, I applied to be a pilot with a certain large airline. I went through all the tests and the one I ‘failed’ was the personality one! Read into that what you will.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
Noise cancelling earphones. I like focus.
Which podcast or book would you recommend others to read and why?
I devour true crime podcasts when I’m out walking the dog, but for a less psychopathic answer I’d say the Creative Boom podcast for marketing snippets. Book wise, all marketers should read Andy Nairn’s Go Luck yourself.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Wait, you mean I’m not still 21? Perhaps I should say: “Don’t grow up.”
In all seriousness, I’ve always been in a hurry, so I would tell myself not to rush through to the next thing all the time. Live in the moment and appreciate what you’ve got.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
I’ve had the good fortune to work with some incredible creative and analytical brains over the years, and many of them have shaped me. But I’m actually going to say my children here. They have simultaneously tipped me to the edge and balanced me. I’ve had to learn to prioritise, switch off, set good examples, behave properly. Still not sure I’m getting it right, but their simple outlook keeps things real.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I do Pantomime. Every year. It’s a little scary, a lot ridiculous and it makes people laugh. What’s not to like?
If there was one thing you could change about your career, what would it be and why?
I don’t think I would change that much. There have been ups and downs and a few careers I could have had. I’d have saved some money if I’d been a vet and maybe I shouldn’t have been myself in that pilot personality test all those years ago, but I am exactly where I want to be right now.
What does success look like to you?
For CHILLI, it’s about growing the client base and producing work the team are proud of; helping brands thrive.
Personally, success is about balance for me, enough challenge but also time to enjoy life as it flies by. Contentment is underrated.
